What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral
Arterial Disease?
At least half of the people who have peripheral
arterial disease (PAD) don't have any signs or symptoms of the disease.
People who do have signs or symptoms may have pain
when walking or climbing stairs, which may be relieved after resting. This pain
is called intermittent claudication (klaw-de-KA-shen). Blood brings oxygen to
the muscles, but during exercise, muscles need more blood flow. If there is a
blockage in the blood vessels, muscles won't get enough blood. If a person has
intermittent claudication and exercises while in pain, his or her muscles may
be harmed. When resting, the muscles require less blood flow and the pain goes
away. Claudication is more likely in people who also have atherosclerosis in
other arteries, such as the heart and brain. About 10 percent of people with
PAD have intermittent claudication.
Other signs and symptoms of PAD include:
- Pain, numbness, aching, and heaviness in the
muscles
- Cramping in the legs, thighs, calves, and
feet
- A weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
- Sores or wounds on toes, feet, or legs that heal
slowly, poorly, or not at all
- Color changes in skin, paleness, or blueness
(called cyanosis)
- A decreased temperature in one leg compared to
the other leg
- Poor nail growth and decreased hair growth on
toes and legs
- Erectile dysfunction, especially among people
with diabetes
|